Category Manager; Raw and Direct Materials Manufacturing

Open Job:
Category Manager
- Direct Materials

Location:

Denver, Colorado
Hybrid - 3 days in office, 2 days work from home

Salary: $100,000 to $120,000

Industry: Manufacturing & Production

Job Category:
Materials Management - Supply Chain

• Must come from another manufacturing company where they are sourcing raw or direct materials.
• Experience managing $20M in spend
• Contract experience
• Sourcing direct materials for a manufacturing company

• The Category Manager Direct Materials is accountable for developing and executing sourcing strategies that optimize cost, quality, and supply continuity across operations.
• This role leads complex, multi-facility sourcing initiatives; drives supplier performance and capability development; and partners closely with R&D, Product Management, and operations teams to deliver measurable business results.

• Develop and execute data-driven sourcing strategies for resale product categories to improve cost structure, mitigate risk, and enhance supplier value.
• Build and maintain robust should-cost models to guide negotiations, evaluate pricing proposals, and support long-term cost optimization.
• Deliver year-over-year cost savings through structured negotiations, supplier workshops, competitive bidding, value engineering, and supply-base rationalization.
• Monitor and report category performance using monthly scorecards, KPIs, and executive-level updates.

• Lead multi-functional project teamsspanning R&D, Product Management, Operations, Finance, and Qualityto qualify new suppliers, onboard new products, and support product innovation initiatives.
• Drive supplier development programs to enhance supplier capabilities, improve quality, and ensure long-term alignment with business objectives.
• Manage contracts across the resale category, ensuring compliance, performance tracking, and timely renewals.
• Identify and implement process improvements that streamline supply chain operations and eliminate inefficiencies.

• Serve as the primary commercial interface for internal stakeholders across facilities, ensuring seamless communication, alignment, and timely issue resolution.
• Partner with R&D and Product Managers to evaluate alternative materials, support new product development, and enable sustainable sourcing decisions.
• Engage stakeholders at multiple levels of the organization to drive adoption of sourcing strategies, influence decision-making, and ensure business continuity.

• Ensure uninterrupted supply of resale products to facilities by proactively identifying risks, developing contingency plans, and maintaining strong supplier relationships.
• Conduct root-cause analyses for supply disruptions and lead corrective-action initiatives in partnership with suppliers and internal teams.

• Bachelor's Degree required.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in supply chain or related experience, 3 of which should be experience sourcing with a major organization.
• Must come from another manufacturing company where they are sourcing raw or direct materials.
• Experience managing $20M in spend
• Contract experience
• Sourcing direct materials for a manufacturing company
• CPSM certification desirable.

• Demonstrated experience with should-cost modeling and cost-analysis techniques.
• Strong contract negotiation skills and working knowledge of contract development and contract law.
• Working knowledge of commodity management principles and e-sourcing tools.
• Experience with SAP or similar ERP system; proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

• Proven ability to manage supplier relationships and lead cross-functional projects to successful outcomes.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, including presenting to non-technical audiences.
• Strong analytical, strategic-thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proactive, collaborative approach with openness to feedback, mentoring, and continuous improvement.